A mother-of-four pulled over for 'racing' her boyfriend along the motorway at more than 100 miles per hour has been banned from driving for 15 months.
Laura Colquhoun, 38, was speeding alongside another car and police pursuing at 100 mph were initially unable to gain ground on the duo. The two cars were eventually pulled over after they spotted the blue lights of the chasing police car behind them on the M90 motorway.
Fiscal depute Elizabeth Hodgson told Perth Sheriff Court: "Both were travelling north and the carriageway has on and off slip roads.
"This was at a sweeping right bend. There was a moderate flow of traffic in both lanes. The accused was driving her Volkswagen and they were known to each other.
"At 5pm on 13 March 2021, the police were carrying out static speed checks from the slip road. They observed the accused travelling well in excess of the speed limit, along with another vehicle.
"Police followed the accused. However, both vehicles were momentarily lost to sight as they went round a bend.
"Police officers used their speedometer, as they were not gaining on the accused, and the speed recorded was in excess of 100 miles per hour.
"Both vehicles were passing slower moving vehicles in the inside lane and were undertaking vehicles. Blue lights were activated and the accused then pulled over onto the hard shoulder.
"The accused was shown a recorded speed of 104 mph. Both parties made no comment."
Colquhoun, Duntaylor Avenue, Aberfeldy, admitted driving dangerously and at excessive speed on the M90 Edinburgh to Perth road on 13 March last year.
She admitted overtaking vehicles in her VW Touran and failing to adjust her speed to account for road conditions as she passed various slip roads at Milnathort.
A reference in the charge to her racing another vehicle being driven by Alan Scott was removed by the Crown prior to her guilty plea.
Solicitor Lisa Campbell, defending, said: "There was a lot more to the incident. She takes full responsibility for her actions.
"She has four children at home. Two of the children have individual needs and this is going to make life difficult for her and the family.
"She does understand the seriousness of the charge. She spoke to the author of the social work report about the impact of the loss of her licence."
Colquhoun's lawyer said: "In hindsight, Ms Colquhoun accepts that she should not have been driving on that day.
"There had been an argument with her partner, and she made the decision to drive. She says she should not have driven in the state that she was in.
"Ms Colquhoun advises that this position was ultimately made by fear, as there was a very difficult and troubling relationship between her and her then-partner.
"She has shown a great deal of insight and regret in terms of her actions and the potential consequences."
Sheriff David Hall disqualified Colquhoun for 15 months and fined her £500. He said: "I will give you some credit for pleading guilty on the morning of the trial.
"You pled guilty to a charge of dangerous driving. This was an extremely bad piece of driving, travelling at a speed in excess of 100 miles per hour on the motorway."
The court was told that prosecutors intended to pursue a case against the second driver, but no further details were given.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
